Trauma and related issues encompass a broad spectrum of emotional and psychological responses to distressing or life-threatening events. These experiences can have enduring negative effects on your mental, physical, emotional, and social well-being.
When trauma significantly impacts your ability to function daily and worsens over time, it can develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, PTSD is just one of many potential outcomes of trauma.
Trauma can manifest in various ways and lead to different symptoms and related disorders, not necessarily PTSD alone.
At Kimball Health Services, we recognize the profound effects trauma can have on your life. We offer a range of treatment options designed to help you manage and overcome its effects.
Our mental health provider, Ron Strachan, APRN, provides a supportive environment where you feel understood and empowered, allowing you to process your experiences at your own pace.
While traumatic events can affect anyone, the impact can vary widely for each person. Visible signs of trauma may not always be apparent, but you may struggle internally with severe emotional distress. Even without visible signs, the emotional toll of trauma can be significant.
Some common physical and emotional responses to trauma include:
The long-term effects of trauma can be far-reaching, impacting mental health, physical well-being, and overall quality of life.
Trauma can have a profound impact on your mental health, even if you do not meet the criteria for a specific disorder.
While PTSD is a well-known trauma-related condition, trauma can also contribute to several other related disorders.
Acute stress disorder shares similarities with PTSD but is characterized by a shorter duration. It often arises shortly after a traumatic event and can have a significant impact on your mental and emotional well-being.
Symptoms of ASD typically develop within three days of the traumatic incident and can last from a few days to up to a month. If these symptoms persist beyond this timeframe, it may indicate the development of PTSD.
Adjustment disorders are a common response to stressful events or significant life changes. These conditions can affect both your emotional well-being and behavior, making it difficult to cope with new circumstances.
Common triggers include job loss, divorce, illness, or major life transitions. While generally temporary, adjustment disorders can significantly impact your ability to function in day-to-day life. Symptoms of adjustment disorders include:
Secondary traumatic stress disorder, also known as trauma exposure response, occurs when you are exposed to the trauma of others. This is often experienced by caregivers, first responders, or healthcare professionals. Common symptoms include:
Reactive attachment disorder affects young children who struggle to form stable emotional attachments to their caregivers. Often rooted in early experiences of abuse, neglect, or frequent changes in caregiving environments, RAD can significantly impact a child's emotional development and social interactions.
Children with RAD may exhibit:
These difficulties can lead to behavioral issues, such as aggression, withdrawal, or excessive dependence.
Disinhibited social engagement disorder is a condition in which a child shows unusual openness to interactions with strangers. Children with DSED often exhibit culturally inappropriate behaviors, such as excessive familiarity or a lack of fear around unfamiliar people. This condition frequently results from neglect, trauma, or a history of institutionalization.
DSED can pose serious safety risks for children, as they may be more susceptible to exploitation or abuse. Common symptoms of DSED include:
Unspecified trauma-related disorders refer to distressing mental health symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a specific diagnostic category within the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Despite not fitting into a defined category, these conditions can still significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life.
At Kimball Health Services, we offer comprehensive care for trauma-related issues. Our experienced mental health professionals provide personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. To schedule a consultation with our healthcare providers, please contact us at 308-235-1966 or request an appointment online.
